Boris Johnson Banned from Entering Russia after Ukraine Visit

Russia barred British Prime Minister Boris Johnson from entering the country, the Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday.

The move was taken "in view of the unprecedented hostile action by the British Government, in particular the imposition of sanctions against senior Russian officials," the ministry said in a statement, adding that it would expand the list soon.

In addition, the entry ban included Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, as well as 10 other British government members and politicians.

This step comes following Johnson's visit to Ukraine where he had face-to-face talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of a “display of support with the Ukrainian people”.

Andriy Sybiha, a Zelensky aide, said: “The United Kingdom is the world leader in defence assistance to Ukraine.”

Johnson is “the anti-war coalition’s leader,” he added. “The man in charge of sanctions on Russia’s aggressor.”

The Prime Minister had offered  Zelenskyy and his family asylum in the UK, but the latter refused the offer.

“I’ve got to tell you that Volodymyr has always been clear, his duty is to the Ukrainian people; he’s going to stay there, he’s going to look after them. I have to say I admire him.”